Public Viewing Of Raila’s Body Gets Underway In Kasarani

Thousands of mourners have gathered at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi to view the body of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

The viewing ceremony was led by President William Ruto, who arrived alongside Mama Ida Odinga and members of the Odinga family.

Before the public viewing, the late leader’s body was prepared inside the VIP Lounge holding room at the stadium. Embalming experts from Lee Funeral Home and pathologists were present during the exercise.

Initially, the process was to be conducted at Lee Funeral Home, but it was later done at Kasarani due to logistical reasons.

The body was also dressed in new attire and placed in a new coffin ahead of the ceremony.

After the preparations, prayers were held with family members and national leaders surrounding the body in solemn reflection.

President Ruto led the delegation in viewing the body, followed by Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga children, and close relatives.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were among the dignitaries who paid their respects.

After the official viewing by national leaders and the family, members of the public began filing past the casket to pay their last respects to the man fondly remembered as Kenya’s opposition icon and statesman.

Earlier, security officers were forced to swing into action after a section of mourners turned unruly ahead of the late Raila’s body viewing ceremony.

Tension flared when some attendees began throwing twigs toward the VIP dais in protest over delays in allowing them to view the body. Some were also seen throwing the plastic seats to the officers.

The crowd, which had escorted the motorcade carrying the casket from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, became impatient after hours of waiting. Joint teams of General Service Unit (GSU) and anti-riot police swiftly responded, firing teargas canisters to restore order.

Plainclothes personnel from the Presidential Escort Unit also joined in and were seen beating up some individuals in the terraces as chaos erupted briefly.

At the time, President William Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki, and other dignitaries were still in a holding room and had not taken their seats on the dais

The Kenya Airways aircraft carrying Raila’s body touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at exactly 9:30 am, where it was received by President Ruto, members of the Raila family, and a host of elected leaders.

A sombre mood filled the air as the casket draped in the national flag was lowered from the plane.

Following the arrival, the body was to be moved to Lee Funeral Home and then to Parliament.

Military officers and morticians who had initially been stationed at Lee and Parliament were seen packing up and leaving after the venue change was confirmed.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta viewing Raila Odinga’s body at Kasarani Stadium